Archive for April, 2006

Maroondah Leader: Next stop: chaos!

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 11th of April, 2006

The Maroondah Leader has today called on the Bracks Government and in particular Transport Minister Peter Batchelor and Treasurer John Brumby to deliver urgent public transport improvements for the Maroondah region:

In my role as Maroondah Councillor and Branch Convener for the Public Transport Users Association I have called on the following:

“I want a concrete funding commitment to Ringwood Station with an expected completion date of 2008″

“The government has been undertaking studies and comparing plans, but there’s been no clear funding commitment to an upgraded Ringwood station so far.”

The government showed during the Commonwealth Games that they have the budget and capacity to deliver public transport improvements. There are problems between the frequency and different route times and it needs urgent funding to even it up.”

The State Government must deliver on providing uniform bus services levels (a consistent frequency and operating duration) for buses across all of Melbourne. Additionally rail services must also have a consistent timetable, including the need to improve off-peak services on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines to at least a 20 minute service, consistent with weekend frequencies.

Additionally bus routes along Maroondah Highway, Canterbury Road, Wonga Roads and Dorset Roads must be upgraded to SmartBus standards consistent with the future Stud Road SmartBus.

Maroondah Journal: pupils back on the 'buses'

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 11th of April, 2006

The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s decision to continue the Walking School Bus Program:

Community pressure has led to a backflip by Maroondah Council to extend its Walking School Bus program

Last week, the council agreed to resinstate program for another 18 months. Under the program, pupils are led by an adult to school in a bid to reduce childhood obesity and increase community safety.

Cr Alex Makin said there was a need to encourage walking to build a sense of community.

It has been demonstrated that walkability (the ability to walk easily, conveniently and safely within a community) is a key factor in revitalising urban areas and in helping to reduce looming health issues such as obesity. It is imperative that a culture of walking is established to ensure a vibrant and healthy future for Maroondah.

The Walking School Bus program will help provide for this and I would like to thank the many community members who have advocated for the continuation of the program.

ERITG focusing on sustainable transport for the outer east

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 6th of April, 2006

The Eastern Region Integrated Transport Group (ERITG) met today to continue outlining its objectives and aims over the coming year.

Uniform bus, train and tram frequencies, a comprehensive review of bus routes, station upgrades and the assurance that there will be planning for future rail extensions is the core focus of ERITG in this key election year.

With the Government’s Transport and Liveability Statement now delayed until mid May it is crucial that the government delivers on its commitment to increase public transport modal share to 20% by 2020 through providing a comprehensive and fully costed plan.

Paper Moon – an example of art within Maroondah

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of April, 2006

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the opening of Paper Moon: a unique photographic exhibition of studio and table-top constructed photography featuring works by artists from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia and toured by the Contemporary Art Services Tasmania.

Paper Moon presents artists who rather than using computer software to create their imagery have opted instead to painstakingly construct their own sets and props.

In creating these works through painted back-drops, props and narrative devices these artists have drawn on the types of techniques that have played an important role within the history of photographic imagery.

The artists in Paper Moon employ techniques such as painting, sculpting, sewing, printing and model making to create he subject matter for their photographs. Paper, plastic, wood and fabric are just some of the materials used to explore issues ranging from historical themes, politics, personal memory and early pictorial construction.

Amongst the many artificial props used within a photographer’s studio the romantic ‘paper moon’ always proved popular – so much so that it inspired composer Harold Arlen to pen the famous song of the same name later sung by Ella Fitzgerald.

The curator of this exhibition Dr. Elly Ray has also been inspired by the name and has sought out artists who continue to explore the potential of this artificial backdrop.

Amongst the artists featured in this exhibition include Jacqui Sockdale who has been inspired by the colonial painter John Glove, bringing together an array of characters such as Ned Kelly, a princess and a mysterious Tasmanian Tiger.

Rose Farrell and George Parkin have created images reminiscent of a Gothic asylum while Vera Moller’s sculptures have been invaded by a family of rats within these photographs.

Not all of the sets in these photographs are life size although we may not realise it.

Patrick Pound, Melanie Breen and Samantha Small have created scaled models all of which are uncannily life.

In one room an elderly woman lies sleeping while in others the inhabitants have vacated the scene.

Beyond the method of construction these works also share a sense of narrative. Like all good art, however the narrative of these works is open to interpretation.

I will now leave it you to not only be inspired by these works but to unravel and interpret the narrative that these works convey.

I now declare this exhibition open. Thank you.

Walking School Bus Finds New Feet

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 3rd of April, 2006

I am pleased to announce that Maroondah City Council has resolved to continue the Walking School Bus program to assist in combating childhood obesity and to encourage walking.

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